“Then it’s yours if you want it.”
“How much would you like for it?” I looked up to meet his gaze.
He waved a hand. “Nothing. It’s free.”
“Dr. Cook, I couldn’t.” We weren’t family. I couldn’t just take his family ring without offering some form of compensation.
“Please, Dr. Kennedy. You’ve been through a lot these past few months. If this brings you any measure of happiness and can be used by you, keep it.”
I wanted to hug him, but I’d never done that.Ever.“Uh, may I...” Why was this so awkward? “Hug you?” I rushed out.
A smile covered his face. He gave me a side hug, squeezing my shoulder firmly. “It’s been a joy to watch you blossom. Even your residents have noticed.”
“They have.” I smiled, thinking of my earlier conversation with Dr. Collier. I guess love softened my rough edges.
After I placed the ring box into my office drawer for safekeeping, I locked it, then pocketed the key. My cell rang, and my brow furrowed at the unknown number.
“Hello?”
“Dr. Kennedy, this is Governor Jankowski.”
“How are you?”
“Just peachy. Hey, listen, I have a venue that I’m no longer able to use and was wondering if you or the hospital had usefor it. Not sure how often you have conferences and whatnot.”
“What kind of venue?”
As the governor spoke, my wheels turned. This had to be the answer to our prayers. After thanking the governor for thinking of me and accepting the use of the venue, I turned to my email. A message from my Realtor informed me the seller hadnotaccepted my offer. I assessed myself. I didn’t feel sad but a little relieved. Life felt like it was actually going in the right direction.
Love from the Father, love from Chris, and the sweet, pure acceptance and love from my nieces. Piper and Nevaeh had welcomed me with open arms, and Dr. Cook and Dr. Collier had taken a chance to look past first impressions. God had surrounded me with people who could help me thrive and who accepted me for me. He’d answered the deepest desire of my heart: to belong. Something I’d stopped hoping for long ago.
Thank You so much. I’ll forever be grateful.
Forty-Four
VALENTINE’S DAY
“You ready, man?” Lamont asked.
Chris grinned. “Absolutely. The way this came together is nothing short of a miracle.” He checked his bow tie to make sure it looked fine.
“Stop fidgeting,” Tuck said. “It was fine the last time you checked.”
“Can’t help myself. Too much energy, gotta get it out somehow.”
“This has to be the fastest wedding I’ve ever seen come together, and definitely one for the books.” Lamont sat on the couch in the sitting area.
The governor had paid for a space at The Broadmoor he’d no longer needed. Chris was still amazed he’d offered it to Erykah but felt like it was the biggest God wink of the decade. Now they were about to say their vows in one of the wedding venues located at the hotel.
Erykah would be wearing Ellynn’s wedding dress, and she, too, had come into the perfect wedding band—her words. Chris had yet to see it since they’d agreed to exchange rings on their wedding day.
Chris had bought a cane—doctor approved—so he didn’t have to crutch his way down the aisle. And after they saidI do, his mom would babysit Cheye and Ash so that he and Erykah could go to Vail for the honeymoon. Cam had been relieved that Chris was able to fully reimburse her, but he couldn’t help but feel like he’d come out on the better side of things.
How did I get to be so fortunate?
“I can’t believe how well this came together either.” Tuck stroked his beard. “It’s definitely a God thing.”
“Right? Erykah was in tears when we started comparing notes.” He sighed.
